Western Reserve suspends girls basketball coach
Western Reserve COLLINS — girls’ basketball coach Laura Pierson is no longer acting as the team’s leader following alleged “inappropriate behavior” linked to text messages with her players.
After nearly a month of investigating by the Reflector, Western Reserve Local Schools Superintendent Rodge Wilson on Monday released a letter sent to parents Feb. 7 stating the Lady Riders coach is suspended from acting as coach until further notice.
The Reflector repeatedly asked Wilson about Pierson’s coaching status. Wilson stated “both her contracts (as a school counselor and coaching) are active,” meaning she is still being paid on both contracts, but did not provide further details.
After the newspaper became aware that there was a letter sent home to parents and that assistant coach and school district treasurer Brett Robson was serving as acting coach at the Lady Riders’ games, a request was made Feb. 19 for a copy of the letter and a statement about whether Pierson was still the coach.
Wilson responded Monday morning with a copy of the letter and again confirmed both of Pierson’s contracts are “active.” He added, however, that Robson is serving as the acting head coach, leading the basketball team to the regional semifinals for the first time since the 2011-12 season.
The letter, written by middle and high school Principal Lisa Border, said Pierson “has been removed from her coaching duties pending an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior.” Border said the school was acting in accord with both board policy and state law, citing the students’ “well being” as the school’s primary concern. The principal went on to ask parents to see if their children have received any text messages from Pierson.
The Reflector requested to see Pierson’s personnel file and any text messages. Wilson sent empty reports from the district’s Remind app, which faculty are supposed to use for text messaging. When the newspaper further specified it would like “any texts or emails that were between (Pierson) and her players, be them through the work app or otherwise,” Wilson said he will review for others, but anticipated federal law would shield them from being released to the media.
The Lady Riders have advanced to the Sweet 16, following Saturday’s double-overtime win over Margaretta in the Division III district championship game at Shelby High School. The team faced Amanda-Clearcreek at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Lexington High School.
The school’s board of education is holding a special session tonight. The meeting was scheduled for “general purposes” and to enter into executive session “to discuss the employment of a public employee,” according to a news release. The 6 p.m. meeting will be held in the board office conference room.